May 7, 2008 – Here is this week’s Atlantic Canada and World Cycling News, which includes the latest stories submitted to Atlantic Pedaler. Also included are upcoming events in Atlantic Canada, as well as the “Count your Km’s ” section.

Exercising my Brain by Jumping on my Bike
Several weeks ago I attended a lecture about neuroplasticity. That is a fairly new word and a fairly new area of study. Scientists are discovering that the brain is amazingly plastic; that is, able to adapt to change. We are now discovering that the brain, in certain areas, is able to grow new cells, something once thought impossible. And it makes new connections constantly. There is a whole new industry being promoted around “brain health”, making new connections, and regenerating brain cells. Exercise your brain! Do crossword puzzles! Stave off Alzheimer’s – do Sudoku! You’ve seen the headlines and heard about different “programs” that aim to improve your brain fitness.

There’s no doubt that some mental exercise can help you relax, learn to concentrate, and perhaps help you become better at certain… Click here for the fully story.

Dieppe’s Sprockids and Peter Wedge Program
Dieppe, NB – Spring is once again upon us, and the National Cycling Centre, in Dieppe, is proud to announce the start of another great season. Again in 2008, the Cycling Academy will play host to many youth learn to bike programs.

Among those, the Sprockids Program offers youth 9 to 12 years of age the opportunity, through cycling, to develop the skills, values and strategies that will benefit them throughout their lives and enable them to successfully reach their full potential. Participants will develop skills to allow them to safely enjoy and explore the adventures of cycling. This program is the first step in an… Click here for the full story.

Multi-Purpose Facility in Summerside Utilizes Green Technology and Ideas to Help Serve the Public
Summerside – The emphasis on “going green” is a global environmental undertaking and the city of Summerside has now brought the sports and fitness world under the green umbrella.

Credit Union Place is a spectacular state-of-the-art facility with top-notch venues for sports, concerts, conferences and just about any event of interest to the public.

This becomes obvious when you walk into the multi-purpose facility.

What may not be that obvious is how environmentally friendly the facility is… Click here for the full story.

Maritime Electric’s Request to Run Power Lines Along the Confederation Trail: The Letter
Here is the complete letter sent by Prince Edward Island Trails Inc. to Mr. Shane Arbing, Provincial Parks Manager, Department of Tourism.

Click here for the full story.

Team Instrumar AGM
Team Instrumar will be holding it’s AGM, today, May 1st, 7:30pm at the Instrumar Bldg, 39 Pippy Place. There will be lots to discuss, including a new ITT series, and meeting the new executive for 2008. Hope to see you all there. Click here for more info.

Road Level 1 Coaching Course in NS May 9-10
There is a Road Coaching Clinic being held in Nova Scotia in one week.

When: May 9th and 10th
Time: Friday May 9 6PM- 9PM
Saturday May 10 9AM-5PM

Where: Truro, Nova Scotia
Best Western Glengarry

Click here for more information.

PEI Bikes get Fix up as Gas Prices Rise
Charlottetown bike shop owners say they are doing well because of the rising price of gasoline, as people are looking for alternative ways to get around.

Gordon MacQueen of MacQueen’s Bike Shop told CBC News Monday he’s selling more new bikes, repairing more old ones, and upgrading older bikes as well. “Our business in electrical conversion kits is very strong,” said MacQueen.

“People who are kind of hedging their bets a little bit, and… Click here for the full story.

Bicycle Nova Scotia 2009 Canada Summer Games Cycling Team Selection Criteria
BNS has recently released the selection criteria for the upcoming Canada Games in Prince Edward Island.

Selection Committee:
The Selection Committee will consist of the BNS Canada Games Committee Chair, BNS president and one other designate from… Click here for the full story.

Norco Appoints New President and CEO
Jim Harman, recently appointed CEO of Norco Products Ltd., is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. John Williams to the position of President. John Williams graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1987 and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. After completing his… Click here for the full story.

Professional Bike Racing Returns to Toronto
Professional cyclists are gearing up for Toronto’s first downtown bike race in 10 years.

The Toronto Criterium at St. Lawrence Market will take place Friday, May 30 on a road circuit in the city’s historic St. Lawrence Market district. Many of Canada’s top bike road racers are expected to compete. Race organizer Ziggy Martuzalski has already noticed overwhelming interest in the event from across Ontario, Quebec and the Great Lake States Criterium races are popular in urban centres all over the world. They feature a short, looping course with sharp corners. Bike speeds can reach… Click here for the full story.

Submit Your KM Biked
Every year, Atlantic Pedaler encourages cyclists to record their distance cycled during the year and to submit it to AP. It is amazing to see how active our cycling community is. Take a few seconds today and login and update your profile and km biked here.

Upcoming Atlantic Events
Take advantage of our Calendar by planning your vacation around an upcoming ride or submitting your own ride for free. Please visit Submit Rides FAQ for directions on how to submit your ride. The rides are limitless; the option is yours. Click here to view the complete calendar.

“She who succeeds in gaining the master of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life.” – Frances E. Willard

April 12, 2008 – Here is this week’s Atlantic Canada and World Cycling News, which includes the latest stories submitted to Atlantic Pedaler. Also included are upcoming events in Atlantic Canada, as well as the “Count your Km’s ” section.

Saint John’s Bicycle Trail, Harbour Passage, to get Refurbished Look
Saint John – The city plans to begin repairing light fixtures along Harbour Passage this spring. Saint John’s weather conditions have caused many of the posts to rust, a problem the city aims to fix as officials remove about 45 lights from the path and ship them back to the factory to be repainted and galvanized. The galvanizing process will ensure the posts don’t rust in the future, and the refinishing process will come with a five-year warranty,… Click here for the full story.

PEI’s Wayne Long Finalist for National Industry Builder Award
Ottawa, ON – The finalists for the 2nd Annual PRESTIGE Awards (Program Recognizing Exceptional Sport Tourism Initiatives, Games & Events) were announced today. The five award categories listed below were judged by a panel of sport industry and sport tourism professionals from across the country and recognized the efforts and achievement of individuals, organizations and events in sport tourism in Canada.y.

The Awards will be presented at the CSTA’s gala luncheon on April 28th at the Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec in conjunction with… Click here for the full story.

MS has Given me a Number of Things for which I am Grateful
As I stated in my last column I was diagnosed with MS in 1998. My right side was affected leaving me unable to hold a pen or brush my teeth effectively or even tie my shoes. I had another attack 18 months later that hit the left side of my face, leaving me with a lopsided smile and a lisp. My third attack was last August and was a recurrence of my initial symptoms but to a much lesser degree. Throughout the past 10 years I have had to deal with extreme fatigue and on occasion some pretty intense pain. I estimate that I have recovered 97% of what I lost with each attack.
My purpose in writing this column is to educate folks about MS, publicize the MS Bike Tour, and solicit funds for this cause. I am not the… Click here for the full story.

Government of Canada Invests in Public Transit for Healthier, more Liveable Communities in PEI
Charlottetown, PEI – The Government of Canada today announced $2.1 million in funding for capital investments to improve public transit in Prince Edward Island. The announcement was made by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Direct funding for public transit will enhance Prince Edward Island’s economy and improve the environment,” said Minister MacKay. “This… Click here for the full story.

Become a Youth Cycling Leader or Assistant
3-Hour Training on April 12 @ Community Connections (Summerside)

There is no better way to shape our future by creating it! Being involved in the internationally acclaimed Sprockids youth cycling program holds a special place in my heart. I am passionate about this program. Why? It not only teaches kids how to ride a bike safely but also teaches them responsbility, courage, and independence — it builds their self-esteem as they experience one success after another upon their completion of tasks.

The SCC will be hosting its second Sprockids youth cycling development program this Spring (mid-May with registration on May 3). We are… Click here for the full story.

AthletesCAN Student Internship
AthletesCAN, the association of Canadian national team athletes is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual for a summer intern position between May 2008 and August 2008 in Ottawa, ON. The candidate will be responsible for providing effective support to AthletesCAN staff, Board, athletes and volunteers.

The position is ideal for applicants interested in gaining valuable experience in project management, sponsorship & funds development, event planning and execution, communications and office operations in a multi sport environment. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

– Bilingual (preferred but not required)
– Excellent oral and written… Click here for the full story.

Sprockids in Israel
I have just returned from two weeks in Israel where I had an amazing adventure. I had been brought over to conduct a series of clinics, workshops, and seminars regarding the Sprockids Program. They have been using Sprockids for a number of years, but now they want to take it nationally as well as get it into the schools. Israel has just announced a $25 million dollar budget to promote cycling throughout Israel.

There are numerous reasons why I believe my visit would make an interesting article, but the primary one has to be the kids I worked with…. Click here for the full story.

Tour of America Postponed Until 2009
Lumberton, N.C. – Aqu, Inc., organizers of The Tour of America, a multi-stage coast-to-coast professional bicycle road race, have postponed the inaugural race until September 2009.

Since the original announcement of the Tour of America in September 2007, Aqu executives and staff members have met with cities along the proposed route, potential sponsors and race teams, as well as staff members of USA Cycling and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport’s governing bodies. “After we announced the Tour of America last fall, we hit the ground running to make the event happen in 2008,” said Frank Arokiasamy,… Click here for the full story.

Schools Challenged to Get Students Cycling Training This Year
Ireland – Primary schools in Antrim are being challenged to ensure their pupils get cycling training in 2008. Independent retail group Centra, has sponsored the Department of the Environment’s Cycling Proficiency Scheme since 2004 and brand manager Nicky Kelly explained the campaign aims to get more young people involved.

“The 86 independently owned Centra stores in Northern Ireland are backing the DoE’s Cycling Proficiency Scheme by promoting it in their… Click here for the full story.

Bicycle Paths a Vision in Langley’s Master Plan
Langley, BC – An “action-plan” Phase 2 of Langley City’s Downtown Master Plan, will be designed to prevent the new plan from gathering dust. The Master Plan, unveiled by the City last month, creates an exciting vision for the City’s future.

But Mayor Peter Fassbender, planning director Gerald Minchuk and urban design consultant Michael von Hausen, each told an Urban Development Institute gathering of more than 100 developers, property managers, realtors, and interested citizens that the best laid plans can be sidetracked to the shelf without practical facilitation.

The UDI meeting was hosted by Langley City, at Langley Cascades Casino/Coast Hotel Convention Centre Tuesday.

Minchuck told the… Click here for the full story.

CPEI’s Commissaires Meeting
CPEI is a hosting a Commissaires meeting on Monday, April 14th 2008. This meeting is an opportunity for me to introduce my role as CPEI’s new Technical Director.

As a fellow commissaire, I am aware of the scheduling difficulties that can occur over our season. I would like to take this opportunity to learn from previous chief commissaries and determine who will be filling these roles for the 2008 season.

I intend to have the 2008 officiating schedule completed at the end of this meeting so we can all plan for our individual events. Click here for the full story.

Canadian Athletes Pitch in to Help Spread Core’s Message
This weekend, as Canadian swimmers race at the Olympic and Paralympic trials in Montreal, just a few subway stops away a smaller group of athletes will gather for coaching on the environment — from former U.S. vice-president Al Gore.

The world’s most famous lecturer on climate change, Gore is training international supporters in delivering his Inconvenient Truth slideshow lecture. Eight athletes chosen for their commitment and social networks are among the 200-plus Canadians selected to take part. Athletes include cross-country skier Sara Renner, speedskater Kristina Groves, and hockey player Nancy Drolet — all Olympic medallists.

“I’m really hoping to get a lot of education out of it, and ways we can make simple changes in our own lives that will make a difference,” said… Click here for the full story.

CSU Study Shows Bicycle Helmet Use Much Lower for Commuting
Fort Collins, CO – There is a significant difference in bicycle helmet use between recreational activities and everyday commuting among college students, according to a recent Colorado State University study.

The study found 40 percent of surveyed students wore helmets every time for recreational activities like trail riding. For commuting around town, the rate of helmets worn by those same riders plunged to 9 percent.

“This means students have different risk perceptions for recreation and commuting,” said Itsumi Kakefuda, a social psychology doctoral… Click here for the full story.

Olympic Cycling Medallist Axel Merckx to Lead, Premier Campbell to Chair, BC Cancer Fdn Ride
Vancouver, BC – On Sunday June 1st, recreational cyclists across B.C. can ride with one of the world’s top cyclists and possibly win a deluxe trip to the 2008 Tour de France, while raising funds for cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. The day will begin with the B.C. Provincial Road Race Cycling Championships, for competitive riders. Then Belgium national cycling champion and Olympic bronze medallist Axel Merckx will lead the new BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic Community Ride.

“I am delighted to be returning to Vancouver to help raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation,” said Merckx, who now lives in Kelowna B.C…. Click here for the full story.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles Announces RockyDemoTour.com
Rocky Mountain Bicycles, who since 1981 has been known as a high performance bicycles manufacturer, has announced the kick-off of their first official United States/B.C. demo tour. They have packed a Dodge Sprinter full of bikes and hired Thane Hall to be driver/mechanic for the 2008 season. While the demo tour will be at large events like the MTBR Spring Fling, Sea Otter, Fruita Fat Tires Festival, Downieville, Crankworx Colorado and Kokanee Crankworx in Whistler, it will also be showing up at your favorite local trailheads and independent bicycle shops. Be sure to check out their new promotional website, www.RockyDemoTour.com, and see when they will be in your area. Also, while you are… Click here for the full story.

Outspoken Cyclist Likes Fighting Tide
Bicycle commuters know few greater joys than smooth pavement, clear skies and a balmy spring morning. Jennifer Jasmin is looking forward to them.

Until then, she’ll battle ice, slush and disbelieving motorists on her daily ride to work.

She bought her bicycle, a Giant Cypress, in August. It’s strong and heavy. It’s adorned with reflectors, decorations and political statements, some of which can’t be printed in a family newspaper.

Her hat says, “Life is Good.” Hers is a life — or at least a commute — against the grain.

While other commuters manage their groggy morning… Click here for the full story.

Randy Van Zee Killed while Cycling
Randy Van Zee, the 8th placed solo finisher of RAAM 2004, was killed while cycling this past weekend. Randy’s finish in RAAM 2004 has been an inspiration to many. He suffered with failing neck muscles for most of the race and cycled with a cumbersome neck brace. He crashed in Ohio, and unknowingly continued with a cracked pelvis. His crew had to help him get on and off the bike.
Van Zee had an iron-willed desire to make it to the finish line regardless of whatever obstacles were thrown into his way.

Jim Pitre,… Click here for the full story.

Submit Your KM Biked
Every year, Atlantic Pedaler encourages cyclists to record their distance cycled during the year and to submit it to AP. It is amazing to see how active our cycling community is. Take a few seconds today and login and update your profile and km biked.

Update Your KMs here.

Upcoming Atlantic Events
Take advantage of our Calendar by planning your vacation around an upcoming ride or submitting your own ride for free. Please visit Submit Rides FAQ for directions on how to submit your ride. The rides are limitless; the option is yours.

View the Complete Calendar here.

April 2, 2008 – This newsletter contains the latest stories from Atlantic Canada and worldwide submitted to Atlantic Pedaler. Also included is a feature allowing you to submit your km’s biked, as well as upcoming events. Scroll down and enjoy the ride.

Multi-Party Agreement Signed for 2009 Games
Charlottetown, PEI РPartners preparing for the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island announced recently that the Multi-Party Agreement confirming support to the Host Society is now official. The Multi-Party Agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Canada by the Honourable Jos̩e Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport); the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Provincial Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour; Larry Smith, Chair and Sue Hylland, President and CEO of the Canada Games Council; and Joseph Spriet, President of the PEI 2009 Canada Games Host Society.

The Multi-Party Agreement defines the Host Society rights associated with hosting the 2009 Canada Games and provides the terms and conditions for each party in regards to financial and organizational support in the execution of the Games. The 2009 Canada Games will take place August 15-29th, across Prince Edward Island.

Sue Hylland explained how the signing of this agreement is an indication of support and cooperation amongst all the partners involved in… Click here for the full story.

CPEI’s BMX Session Tonight
Cycling PEI is hosting an information session for the BMX community of Prince Edward Island. The intention of this meeting is to gather information from the public as to how the association can help the growth of BMX across the island.

We are aware that there is a strong BMX community and look forward to the opportunity to share ideas and goals for the development of this… Click here for the full story.

Interesting Things Coming out of Rex’s Shed
St. Lunaire-Griquet, NL – Old skippers – they’re always up to something.

When St. Lunaire-Griquet, N.L.’s Rex Saunders stumbled upon a few old, broken bicycles, the gears in his head started turning.

Soon after, neighbours of the 65-year-old retired skipper heard a roar before seeing Saunders fly down the road on a bicycle shrouded in oily black smoke – a salvaged chainsaw motor attached to the sprocket. “Ever since the cod moratorium he’s just been one big baby,” said his wife Irene Saunders with a nudge and a caring smile. “There just… Click here for the full story.

“Buffer”: Bicycle Fire Hydrant Volunteer Painter is Remembered
Sussex, NB – “He was one of our greatest volunteers and we’re going to miss him.” Those were the words of Mayor Stephen Brunet last week as Bathurst city council paid tribute to Alfred (Buffer) Chamberlain.

Buffer passed away March 15 at the age of 77, and he will be missed. I first met him more than 20 years ago, when the Liberals (who were in Opposition at the time in the New Brunswick legislature) organized a meeting here to hear concerns regarding the Workers Compensation system. I dealt with him over the years on seniors issues, and most recently in relation to his efforts towards beautification. He was hard to… Click here for the full story.

Spring Camp Arrives Again at Atlantic Canada Cycling Centre
Dieppe, NB – The 2008 Spring Camp will once again open the season for Atlantic Canada’s best young riders. This year, with the addition of the provincial tier program, the focus will shift primarily to this group of athletes. The Elite group, also invited, will be focussing more onto testing, sport science and riding with the Centre’s Head Coach. The development group, with the Centre’s Assistant Coach will see information session, season planning session, and riding.

Again this year, we will hold our traditional group ride to the Fundy National Park. This ride will take place on Sunday, April 20th. To… Click here for the full story.

San Fran Study Gets Spandex in a Knot
In the wake of the tragic deaths of two cyclists in Cupertino, I am startled by a looming prejudice against those who choose to ride bikes, particularly in the media.

Though it is clear that these cyclists were not at fault when they were killed by a deputy sheriff veering across the road, what has surfaced is an inexcusable “blame the victim” sentiment.

We have seen articles about which streets are “most dangerous” for bicyclists, stories about how often cyclists are deemed at fault by police in collisions, and reports of bad cyclist behavior.

The Cupertino tragedy has been portrayed as a “bicycle safety” story, instead of what it really is, a story about the risks of dangerous… Click here for the full story.

UCI and CPA Meet in Geneva to Discuss Consequences for Riders
Geneva, Switzerland РThe CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associ̩s) met with the UCI in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss the disciplinary consequences for riders who participated recently in Paris-Nice. A delegation of riders expressed their grave concerns regarding the state of professional cycling. The CPA also explained how the riders find themselves in very weak position in this context.

The UCI explained that it was sympathetic to the points of view expressed by the CPA and the riders and reminded the participants of the… Click here for the full story.

WADA Pulls Athlete Passport Project from UCI
The World Anti-Doping Agency has withdrawn its pilot Athlete’s Passport project from the International Cycling Union (UCI) after the UCI launched a lawsuit against a former WADA chief. Given that the Agency announced the decision the day after the UCI launched a new biological passport section on its website, the move appears designed to cause maximum embarrassment to cycling’s governing body.

The UCI said this week that it intends to sue former WADA chief Dick Pound for “continual injurious and biased comments” against the UCI’s … Click here for the full story.

Embracing a Clean Green Dream
Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhagen aims to become the world’s ‘Eco-Metropole’ – the lowest-emitting city on the planet, with harnessed winds, a pristine harbour and cyclists ruling the roads.

An inner-city harbour with water so clean the fish are for eating and the beaches for swimming. Offshore wind farms in the waters beyond, piped to the power grid on two generations of Danish brainpower. Underfoot, a district heating network that squeezes every possible joule of warmth from some of the world’s most efficient electricity plants, keeping 97 per cent of Copenhagen toasty.

And here on the ground, a city where cyclists outnumber motorists during the downtown commute on close to 400 kilometres of dedicated lanes so safe that the vast majority don’t even bother wearing helmets, which aren’t mandatory anyway.

At first glance, Copenhagen is everything the brochure says: a hand-shaped city where each finger of suburb is separated by green space and… Click here for the full story.

Contador to Relinquish Tour Title
Alberto Contador has confirmed he will not leave Astana to defend his Tour de France title with another team.

Race organisers chose not to select Astana for this year’s Tour because of their implication in doping scandals over the last two years.

Contador said: “I will not ride in the Tour for any other team. I hope this ends all the speculation and rumour.”

Team manager Johan… Click here for the full story.

Cycles Lambert Has New Majority Owner
New Brunswick, Quebec – Barrett Corporation, a privately held international management Company, has become the majority shareholder in Cycles Lambert.

Roynat Capital now retains a significant minority interest in Cycles Lambert.

Michel Ruest, director at Roynat Capital said, “Since our acquisition of Lambert in December 2006, we have been looking for an alliance… Click here for the full story.

It’s all Sprockids in Ontario
The Ontario Cycling Association presents a weekend dedicated to transforming our kid’s futures with two exciting events where everyone is invited. Widely known as the ‘Two Wheeled Approach to Self Esteem’, SPROCKIDS teaches more than just mountain biking skills. Cycling has all the elements young people are drawn to. It provides a positive focus for our youth, and brings communities together around the benefits of cycling. This program focuses on all the positive aspects that we hope to instill in young people, and the catalyst is mountain biking. Shaping the Future of our Kids – Sprockids Symposium.

On Saturday, April 5, Sprockids inventor Doug Detwiller will be speaking about the… Click here for the full story.

Massey Researchers Seek Cyclists for Nutrition Study
A new dietary formula to enhance muscle repair after endurance training and competition is being trialled by Massey University researchers, who are seeking cyclists in Auckland to take part in the study.

Jasmine Thomson, a sport nutrition researcher at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health in Auckland, heads a team studying the effects of adding protein to conventional carbohydrate recovery meals and sports drinks on cyclists’ recovery and subsequent performance following muscle-battering bouts of exercise. “It’s been known for several years now that high-protein/amino acid-carbohydrate supplements improve recovery from weight training, but the… Click here for the full story.

Submit Your KM Biked
Every year, Atlantic Pedaler encourages cyclists to record their distance cycled during the year and to submit it to AP. It is amazing to see how active our cycling community is. Take a few seconds today and login and update your profile and km biked here.

Upcoming Atlantic Events
Take advantage of our Calendar by planning your vacation around an upcoming ride or submitting your own ride for free. Please visit Submit Rides FAQ for directions on how to submit your ride. The rides are limitless; the option is yours. Click here for the complete calendar.